Thursday, July 12, 2007

At times I'm the first to kind of hate any sort of ideas when it's comes to schmoozing; it just seems shallow and stupid at times, but it's still something you have to do, and these tips don't go over the line or make you look like an ass.

1. Before leaving home -- Check to be sure you have business cards -- any "by chance" meeting is an opportunity to give out a business card. A morning run or a quick trip to the local store could be an opportunity to network ... always make this a daily habit.

2. Never underestimate the power of networking -- Insert a business card when mailing bill payments -- why can't you advertise your skills or services in this manner? You may not think a person in another state who opens your credit card bill payment can help you, but the person on the receiving end may need your services, and you'll be in a prime position to get their attention when they least expect it. Don't be afraid to put in more than one card into the envelope, just in case the recipient wants to give one to someone else as well.3. Use proper business card etiquette -- Whenever you give a business card, ask for a business card ... when given a business card, don't just take it and place it in your pocket -- make the person feel important by looking at their card for a few seconds. Write notes on the card such as date, location and common points of interest, these may prove valuable when following up with that person ... then place it in your wallet, as this lets them know they're important to you.

4. Be generous -- Give your custom business cards out to everyone ... vanity should not stop you from giving out your last business card or giving 2 at a time to each person. Many people miss the purpose of a custom business card ... never be caught saying, "I only have a few cards left and I need them" ... holding back your custom business cards can actually hurt your business.

5. Ask for referrals -- When giving someone your custom business card, don't be afraid to say ... "I would appreciate a referral, if you know anyone that could use my services." This approach is far better than asking them if their company is hiring and always places you in a better position with them; they'll feel better about helping you, especially if you give them several of your custom business cards.6. Take advantage of every meeting -- You never know when you might meet someone who can help you, especially attending family or friends social events which could produce unexpected encounters with people who need your services ... giving that person a custom business card could prove beneficial for both of you.

7. Being at the right place at the right time -- What about job fair's or business conference's? Volunteering at these types of events places you in a great position to present your resume and/or custom business card. Company representatives will notice if you've gone the extra mile in helping them make their presence easier to manage. Get involved by doing a Google search for "calendar events" in your city and place yourself in positions to give out your custom business card.

8. Make sure to follow up leads -- Company recruiters; potential client's; and/or employer's may never call you back, with the "Out of sight - out of mind" attitude. Today's economic climate clearly shows you're in competition with at least 100 or more other people for the same position or contract. It's quite a task for people to keep track of each individual meeting ... so, immediately after a meeting, mail a hand written note thanking the person for their time, and insert your business card. Now you're in the driver's seat by standing out from other people in the crowd.

9. Use promotions wisely -- Newspapers often have stories of people being promoted to high levels in different organizations -- seize this opportunity. Consider getting some invitation size blank greeting cards and use the Internet's search capabilities to find out the address of the company's executive offices. Send the blank invitation type card with a hand written note sincerely congratulating a person on their promotion, again insert your custom business card.

For the cost of a stamp, you have just made someone's day and possibly created an impression that would make a person feel compelled to respond back to you. You just never know ... people open invitation type envelops faster than any others.10. People remember a slogan -- A memorable phrase or slogan insures people ALWAYS associate a company name with their product or services. People remember even after the commercial is over ... it's called "branding". Companies pay large sums to advertising agencies to come up with these lasting slogans, and you should do the same strategy on your custom business card. A slogan makes all the difference between getting hired or not, because people will remember you long after a meeting.

Thursday, July 5, 2007

(Their is really no quippy way to title an entry on Business Card Scanners)Not just for stuffy corporate types collecting connection for their PDA and Laptop to seem important, business card scanners can really be a good way to preserve a collection and get stuff organized and ready to look up.I used to have one but after a while, I found that other than that it really took up a space and much needed USB slot.Still thought, here is a good little write up with a review on what the writer feels are the best Business Card scanners.If you folks know any, feel free to hit me up.

An inspiring photoset of classic dutch graphic design examples. This set is soo good, that I just picked one at random to show. I know you might think "Hey, dis ain't no Bizness Card" and then poop your diaper and ask for candy, but THIS IS REALLY GOOD FOR IDEAS. (Pats you on Head)I imagine these guys had badass business cards...BTW, if you dive in a little bit farther, you'll find great sets of links and pictures of design on AIKI1's photo sets. They really went all out on this, and it's great a resource when stabbing the old head meat for ideas.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Decided to chime in with my own card.I did a Joe Black on white card, but I left space on the back: Each card is drawn on, or better, it has an original drawing on each one, a sketch or ink drawing of some sort. Like that people get it, and will want to keep this little doo-dad of work for themselves.

Plus it's fun for me.

I have to do a BUNCH now for SDCC (I'm going!) to hand out. Keep a look out. I wish I had more to show but I passed out all the cool ones recently at a gallery show and when I was in SF.If you're wondering where's the e-mail, I write it on there, since I use 3 different ones for different businesses.

I think it's been talked about a lot on the net, but it's amazing how many people don't know about Moo Cards, which are available at Flickr and are awesome way to make cards that are easy, simple, great size, and can really stick out. If you make any, send some this way! and I'll put them up!

Here's a way thats simple and can be from home Business Card Land's set up!Now I haven't run through all of it, myself, but it seems pretty solid. I was never one to really use the Avery Business card paper, even though I had a ton of it left over form my HP rep days, it could still be a very worthwhile little tutorial and tool for short runs for meetings or needing to get some small info out, or as a back up for running out of cards, or while waiting for cards. Either way go to it, and if you can, send anything you make my way

An amazing idea, brought to you by Hugh Mcleod, to put the cartoons on cards and is updated daily. Of course I thought i was the genius who thought this up, it's great to see not just an idea in action but in a whole other approach that i would have thought.On top of that, the cartoons are witty and deep rooted in thought, just making the small displays of brilliance that nay all clients would enjoy.And if you like a cartoon enough, you can even have a card made with his cartoon on it!He even has a widget you can put on your blog that can see down to the right here at HMC Blog!

Here's My Card Blog, is simple: we look at Business cards. All types all businesses all places. Here we see all the different ways you can try to make yourself present, memorable, and different in the minds of both potential and venerable clients. Plus sometimes it's just fun!

Who? What? Where?

"Here's My Card" Blog, is simple: we look at Business cards. All types all businesses all places. Here we see all the different ways you can try to make yourself present, memorable, and different in the minds of both potential and venerable clients.
Plus sometimes it's just fun!
If you have a link to show, feel free to email me at SecretMediaGroup AT Gmail dot com!

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the gapingvoid

About Me

The very existence of flamethrowers proves that sometime, somewhere, someone said to themselves, “You know, I want to set those people over there on fire, but I’m just not close enough to get the job done.”